Head of Government Affairs, Europe (f/m/d)

Location: ONLY Berlin, Germany, or Brussels, Belgium

We help the world run better

At SAP, we enable you to bring out your best. Our company culture is focused on collaboration and a shared passion to help the world run better. We focus every day on building the foundation for tomorrow and creating a workplace that embraces differences, values flexibility, and is aligned to our purpose-driven and future-focused work. We offer a highly collaborative, caring team environment with a strong focus on learning and development, recognition for your individual contributions, and a variety of benefit options for you to choose from.

Role Description

The Head of Government Affairs Europe (f/m/d) is responsible for engagement with government officials and regulatory agencies in Europe. A major focus will be on the European Union institutions and the large European countries to perpetuate the interests and objectives of SAP but will include significant engagement with the wider continent. The job holder (f/m/d) is a trusted advisor for the Global Head of Government Affairs and Corporate and Social Responsibility, among other internal stakeholders. A successful job holder (f/m/d) will anticipate and advocate for policies and regulations that benefit SAP’s business and operations, identify political and social developments that create value for the industry and brand in the region, and help seize business development opportunities.

The role lays a solid and trusting foundation for SAP’s interactions with governments and builds meaningful relationships with relevant political and societal stakeholders to drive positive outcomes for the business in the region. This includes positioning SAP as a trusted advisor around strategic, issue-driven topics by leveraging internal and external initiatives for the business and the people of SAP. The role is responsible for demonstrating the vital role the private sector can play in driving innovation and fostering economic growth. The role reports to the Head of Government Affairs and Corporate Social Responsibility and leads a regional organization of approximately 10 highly qualified experts in government affairs including the Team Lead for EU Affairs.

Detailed Responsibilities

Policy and Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as trusted advisor to public sector stakeholders, anticipating and identifying policies and regulations that can impact the company, including political and social developments that create value for the brand.
• Advocate for public policy that supports the SAP business model.
• Monitor politically influenced business risks and provide analyses to internal stakeholders for action.
• Advocate for technology and industry-supportive policies and regulations.
• Position SAP as an innovation partner and technology leader through content development and targeted outreach to stakeholder groups.
• Grow, maintain, and leverage extensive government and stakeholder networks.
• Liaise with governments and relevant authorities in times of crisis, i.e. Covid-19.
• Provide SAP internal clients with expert content and guidance for reaching and influencing key audiences within the public sector.
• Drive relevant content creation and public sector engagement campaigns.

Business Support

• Actively position SAP innovations and solutions in the public sector and key industries via engagement with stakeholders.
• Support digital transformation agendas including cloud and AI adoption focused on the public sector by positioning SAP in agenda-setting phases. Advise internal organizations on properly navigating governmental structures and how policy may impact business units throughout the go-to-market cycles as well as via their business operations.
• Coordinate with relevant internal organizations to help shape, build, and execute effective development strategies within the public sector.
• Help mobilize public funding for SAP business in the region.

What You Bring

• 15+ years’ experience in government affairs, public policy, or related fields, with experience working in the tech industry preferred. Deep understanding of the political landscape in the EU and Europe, and regulatory processes in governments at various levels.
• Ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and advocate effectively on behalf of large, complex organizations.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Motivator of talent with proven experience leading high-performing teams on a global scale with exemplary leadership trust and employee engagement results.
• Fluency in English and German.

Bring out your best

SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services for database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose-driven and future-focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries, people, or platforms, we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP, you can bring out your best.

We win with inclusion

SAP’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At SAP, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better and more equitable world.

EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability:

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability.
Successful candidates might be required to undergo a background verification with an external vendor.

Requisition ID: 411502 | Work Area: Communication | Expected Travel: 0 - 20% | Career Status: Management | Employment Type: Regular Full Time | Additional Locations: #LI-Hybrid.